ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop questions Christian Pulisic’s future role at Chelsea and is unsure where the American’s place will be in the starting XI.
Raphael Honigstein reacts to the news that American starlet Christian Pulisic has agreed to sign for Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund.
Christian Pulisic has said Chelsea’s brand of football under Maurizio Sarri was a key factor in his £57 million move to the Premier League.
Sarri has implemented his possession-based style at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Napoli last summer, with Chelsea completing more passes than any other Premier League side so far this season.
“I’ve seen their style of play,” Pulisic told reporters at Borussia Dortmund’s warm weather training camp in Marbella, Spain on Saturday.
“I’ve always appreciated how they’ve played football, and it’s really nice how they play now, with their new coach. It fits me very well.”
Pulisic, who will stay with the Bundesliga leaders on loan until the end of the season before joining up with the Blues in the summer, had also been linked with a move to Liverpool, which would have seen the United States international reunite with former Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool attempted to sign the midfielder for €13m back in 2016, before he had established himself in the Bundesliga, but Pulisic declined to say if a move to Anfield had ever been a possibility this window.
“It’s not something I want to talk about, I’m very happy with my decision to join Chelsea,” Pulisic said, adding that he was “excited and grateful” to be able to see out the season at Signal Iduna Park before his “big dream” of playing in the Premier League.
Pulisic has lost his starting place in Lucien Favre’s team over the last six months, but insisted it had no impact on his move to Stamford Bridge.
“I went through a few tough injuries at the beginning of the season. Players came in and did extremely well. But I think [going to Chelsea] would have been my decision either way, as I’ve wanted this for a long time,” he said.
Now that his future has been decided, Pulisic is optimistic he can reclaim his place when Dortmund’s winter break ends on Jan. 19.
“My head is more clear. People know my decision and I hope they will understand it, and also understand that I really want to be here for the rest of the season, 100 percent,” he added.
“I’m not just here to finish up my time, just like any other player in the world I will have to fight for my position. I want to play and help to make it a real special year for Dortmund.”
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